New York City celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in several ways: the Times Square ball dropped multiple times (the first time that had been done other than on New Year’s Eve), the Statue of Liberty was a part of a laser light show, and of course there were fantastic fireworks at night (starting about 30 minutes earlier to avoid some thunderstorms!). My favorite part of this very special celebration happened in the morning and early afternoon of July 4th: initially, a spectacular aerial show over New York Harbor, flying over the Hudson River north; followed by a magnificent parade of tall ships along with some Class B sailing ships, tugboats, and NYFD water boats, all passing through the Harbor, sailing up the Hudson to the George Washington Bridge, and then circling back to return.
I decided to watch all of this from the lower portion of Riverside Park, at about West 68th Street. Because of the West Side Highway on an overpass just east of the park, I knew from experience that there was good shade to be had, at least until early afternoon. This turned out to be even more important than usual, as NYC was entering the fourth day of an oppressive heat wave. However, I was able to find a place to sit in the shade, later moving to a standing position next to a rail, moving again to sit on the grass, and finally standing on the sidewalk almost in a bed of plants – all to avoid the sun as it slowly rose higher in the sky behind us. Although there were those who stood out on piers to be closer to the ships, and certainly were able to get stunning photos because of the proximity, I was happy with the view I had, and stayed much longer than I would have been able to in the sun.
Starting at about 10:15 AM, there was a wonderful aerial show. I had never been to a show like this, and was amazed at how closely the airplanes flew to each other. From my perspective, at times it seemed they were almost on top of each other! Led by the Blue Angels, there were a variety of US and international fixed and rotary winged aircraft. I looked it up later and learned that I saw the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force “Bomber Trifecta” (B-1, B-2, B-52), F-15 and F-22 fighters, Marine F-35s, France’s Patrouille de France and the UK’s Royal Air Force. You can see a video compilation of some of it on my Instagram posts HERE and HERE.
With the tall ships parade scheduled to start at 9:30, I was expecting to see the tall ships around 10:30, but the parade actually started about 10, so they got to where I was viewing by about 11. First there was a pilot boat, and NYFD water boat, among others. It was exciting at this point because every now and then you could hear one of the ships sounding its horn farther south.
The tall ships were even more impressive than I had imagined! It was easy to tell which were the true tall ships versus the Class B sailing ships, which were scattered in with the tall ships. Often the ships would sound their horn as they passed by and everyone would cheer! You can see video of some of the ships on my Instagram reel HERE.
There were so many more ships than I had expected. Eventually some of the first ships were coming south again after turning around at the George Washington Bridge. I noticed that later in the parade more of the ships had their sails furled, perhaps to give them more control since they would be passing other ships coming south.
It was a lovely “Saturday in the park . . . I think it was the Fourth of July” (I made an Instagram reel using that song HERE haha). One of the things I loved about this was the international aspect of it – countries from all over the world here to celebrate our birthday, as we are reminded of our place alongside them. I doubt there will be another parade of tall ships like this for another 50 years, which I will not see. That knowledge made the experience all the more special, and I held a hope within my heart that those seeing the 300th birthday parade of tall ships will be doing so in a world and country that has improved in terms of peacefulness and quality of life for all.
Julie Brannan, NYC residential real estate 